absolutely

adverb

ab·​so·​lute·​ly ˈab-sə-ˌlüt-lē How to pronounce absolutely (audio)
ˌab-sə-ˈlüt-
Synonyms of absolutely
1
: in an absolute manner: such as
a
: completely or totally
absolutely certain
an absolutely clear explanation
—often used as an intensive
an absolutely brilliant performance
an absolutely awful experience
You're absolutely right.
b
: with unlimited power
ruling absolutely
2
a
—used in speech as a forceful way of saying "yes" or of expressing agreement
"Would you like to see a movie tonight?" "Absolutely!"
"We all need to work harder." "Absolutely!"
b
—used in speech in the phrase absolutely not as a forceful way of saying "no" or of expressing disagreement
"Do you think he's right?" "Absolutely not!"
3
mathematics : with respect to absolute values
an absolutely convergent series

Examples of absolutely in a Sentence

He is absolutely certain who will win. Let me make one thing absolutely clear. Keep absolutely quiet during the movie.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The regular season as a whole will absolutely lose some juice. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026 There’s a big data center that just came to my community not long ago and their community engagement was horrible, absolutely horrible. — Dustin Desoto, Vox, 16 Oct. 2026 Ukrainian strikes have absolutely hammered Russian refining capacity (which is exactly their purpose, to bring the war home to Russia) and collapsed Russian diesel exports. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2026 Advice issued by the governor’s office late Wednesday asked residents to stay home unless travel was absolutely necessary. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for absolutely

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from absolut absolute + -ly -ly entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of absolutely was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Absolutely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absolutely. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

absolutely

adverb
ab·​so·​lute·​ly ˈab-sə-ˌlüt-lē How to pronounce absolutely (audio)
ˌab-sə-ˈlüt-
: in an absolute way : completely or definitely
you are absolutely right

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